Saudi-backed PFL and Most Valuable Promotions merge to create new global combat sports platform

DUBAI: Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League have announced a landmark merger, creating a new home of combat sports under the MVP banner.

The transaction accelerates MVP’s expansion into mixed martial arts following the success of MVP MMA 1. The merger creates a global sports and entertainment company combining boxing, MMA, media, live events, athlete development, and content distribution.

MVP will continue operating with a fighter-first philosophy focused on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and opportunities for athletes to build their brands both inside and outside of competition, the company stated in a recent press release.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has a minority stake in the PFL, which in recent years saw major expansion in the Middle East North Africa region.

Major events in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have given regional fighters  exposure in MMA, and have led to the emergence of many others, including Saudi’s first female fighter Hattan Alsaif.

The PFL’s CEO John Martin will serve as CEO and board member, and lead the overall business. He is an experienced executive, having served as chairman and CEO of Turner, overseeing a portfolio including TNT, TBS, CNN, and Turner Sports, and as chief financial officer of Time Warner.

Martin said: “Over the past seven years, PFL has built the world’s No. 2 global MMA company, assembling one of the sport’s most elite fighter rosters while creating a world-class global business with premier media distribution across 34 broadcast and streaming partners, reaching fans in more than 170 countries.

“At the same time, MVP has redefined how combat sports connects with a new generation of fans, creating events that become cultural